Gibraltar Strait Tarifa Tarifa, 1-17 September 2018
Neda El Món Gibraltar Strait Tarifa Crossing the Strait is one of the biggest challenges every open water swimmer aspires to accomplish. This challenge was created because the swimmers coming to our activities encouraged us to make a group that represented Neda el Món in this exciting journey. Since 2012 there have been many swimmers who have managed to cross the Strait with Neda El Món, and this year we hope to expand the list with all of you. IMPORTANT In this crossing swimmers must proof a minimum speed of 3.3K and 3.5K per hour. WHEN? From September 1st through the 17th, 2018. During the three weeks, two groups of swimmers will swim each week: Groups 1-2: 1-6 September (check-in: 31 August, check-out: 6 September) Groups 3-4: 7-11 September (check-in: 6 September, check-out: 11 September) Groups 5-6: 12-17 September (check-in: 11 September, check-out: 17 September) GROUPS Six groups of four swimmers will be created, but those can change following the evolution of the swimmers throughout preparation months. In total, our representation will consist of 24 swimmers.
THE CROSSING The crossing is organized by ACNEG (Asociación del Cruce a Nado del Estrecho de Gibraltar), the only association with the authority to do so, and, therefore, swimmers must comply with ACNEG s regulations. You can find it at: http://www.acneg.com/acneg%20spain/normas.html Characteristics of the Strait The shortest distance between Spain and Africa is 14.4 kilometers from Punta de los Oliveros to Punta Cires, in Morocco. However, most of the crossings start from Isla de las Palomas, also known as Isla Tarifa. The complexity of this crossing lies in the fact that sea currents can reach more than 3 knots per hour (5.5Km / hour). These currents generally come from the East ("empty currents"), which means that water from the Atlantic flows into the Mediterranean. This, together with the orography of the coast and the different depths of the Strait makes it difficult to forecast the currents at each point of the route. Consequently, there are no two days with equal currents. The starting time is established depending on the high tide or low tide, and is usually set a few hours before the high tide, since the current is less strong. The duration of the crossing depends on each swimmer and the sea conditions. Thus, swimmers should be prepared to swim between 4 and 7 hours. In addition, you should know Water temperature: It oscillates between 15 degrees in winter and 19, 22 or 23 degrees in the summer. Fog: In the summer, especially in July and August, fog can be formed. The minimum visibility must be 5 miles.. Boats: More than 300 daily vessels cross the Strait, in addition to ferries and other boats. Swimmer always have priority over the vessels and those are diverted by the Maritime Rescue Centers of Tarifa and Tanger. Currents: The swimmer will always cross with the current in favor and the course is modified according to its direction to favor the swimmer. Even so, there may be stretches where it is necessary for the swimmer to increase the pace to get out of the "dangerous zone". Otherwise, you risk drifting, making it impossible to recover your course and reach the Moroccan coast. Dizziness, vomits, cramps: Ingestion of sea water, dehydration, fatigue, stress... can negatively influence the swimmer so you have to be well fed before and during the trip. Meteorological conditions: The wind is a determining factor in this swim. It may appear without warning and may blow stronger than anticipated. It is convenient that the wind does not exceed force 3 or 4.
ACNEG S RULES The swimmers can not be separated more than 50 meters from each other, so it is key that the 4 swimmers are able to maintain a similar pace. ACNEG to has the power to terminate the cross of any of the swimmers, if the swimmer does not follow the pace of the group, whether it is slower or faster. The swimmer will only be taken out of the water if the his/her pace jeopardizes the success of the crossing of the group. Only ACNEG has the power to choose the day and time of the crossing. It may be the case that during the whole week no crossing can be made. In this case, the ACNEG provides the possibility to continue waiting the following week or postpone it, should they have any availability. Every swimmer must fill in the Medical Form and send it to info@nedaelmon.com. Download form here: http://www.acneg.com/formulario%20medico.pdf NEDA EL MÓN RULES Neda el Món has created an annex to the ACNEG regulations that is mandatory for swimmers who want to swim with us: Proof speed of 3.2K 3.5K per hour through open water swimming competitions, events or trainings. Three out of the five training sessions in Barcelona are mandatory. The last training will be a test that will determine if the swimmer is prepared. If this is not the case, Neda el Món may exclude the swimmer from the selected group. Failure to comply with the payment schedule is will cause your expulsion from the swim. The order of the groups will be determined by ACNEG. The established criterion is determined by the tide and the hours between the tide changes. The slower groups will leave when there are more hours between tides. In the event that a group cannot cross during the selected week, Neda el Món will not assume liability of any type, such as the fee of a new registration, flight changes, transfers or extension of hotel nights in Tarifa (or any other costs incurred).
INCLUDED SERVICES Neda el Món will provide logistical support before, during and after the crossing. The services it will offer are: An information session on the logistics of the Crossing. 5 group training sessions during the previous months Online weekly swimming trainings Cap and t-shirt Management, if required by the swimmer, of the trip of swimmers and companions between Barcelona and Malaga. Management, if required by the swimmer, of the internal transportation Málaga - Tarifa - Málaga. Transfer options: taxi (165 aprox.), regular bus Málaga Tarifa (20 aprox.). Swimmers accommodation. (Companions not included) Sponsorship dossier to seek funding. Discounts on our online store: 20% on Sailfish wetsuits, Zoggs and buoys, and 15% on Icebug shoes. Free participation on all our crossings during 2018 (Exceptions apply). Coordination of all the formalities with ACNEG. Neda El Món will be the link between ACNEG and the swimmer. TRAINING SCHEDULE The training sessions will be in Barcelona or El Masnou (which is close to Barcelona). March 17th: information session and test *Mandatory* April 7th: Group training May 5th: Group training July 7th: Group training Agust 18th: Group training and final test PRICE The price of the pack offered by Neda El Món 2.380 and it includes all the services listed above. PRICE FOR COMPANIONS Companion (same room as swimmer): 340 euros Baby (less than 2 years of age): 90 euros Companion (in a separate room): 690 euros This pack of companions does not include the monitoring of swimmers on another boat during the crossing. This is a service offered by the ACNEG and Neda El Món will manage it directly with them.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION Proceed with the payment of 25% of the total amount, which is 600. Bank details IBAN: ES54 2100 4131 3422 0014 2202 BIC (SWIFT): CAIXESBBXXX Reference: Strait 2018, Name, Surname. Send this document with your signature on it to info@nedaelmon.com, once you have carefully read and accepted the conditions. PAYMENT CONDITIONS The payment calendar will be as follows: First payment: 25% of the final amount, 600, before January 20th, 2018. Second payment: 25% of the final amount, 600, between March 26th and 31st, 2018. Third payment: 50% of the final amount, 1.180, between June 25th and 30th, 2018. The payment calendar for companions will be: 100% of the final amount, before April 30th, 2018. This payment must be made here: IBAN: ES54 2100 4131 3422 0014 2202 BIC (SWIFT): CAIXESBBXXX Reference: Strait 2018, Companion, Swimmer s Name. CANCELATION POLICY If the swimmer opts out of this challenge once the second and/or third payments are made, Neda el Món will only return 50% of the amount. The first payment is non-refundable. The swimmer declares that he or she has read this document carefully and demonstrates its agreement by signing it. Marc Caballé CEO Neda el Món Swimmer: Good luck and swim fast!